How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Pontoon Tube?

One of the best experiences you can have when close to water is basking in tranquility or embarking on aquatic adventures from a pontoon. But as time moves forward, your pontoon tube will start to wear out. This guide will give you a better idea of the costs involved in reviving and even replacing these boat parts of your watercraft.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Pontoon Tube?

The average cost of replacing a pontoon tube is anywhere between $3,500 and $8,000 or even more for a single tube replacement, depending on several factors like the complexity of the job, the size and dimensions of the pontoon, the materials being used, and so on.

It’s crucial to consult with a professional and obtain accurate quotes for your specific pontoon boat.

But what is a Pontoon Tube?

A pontoon tube is one of the most critical components of a pontoon boat. It is also known as just a pontoon or a pontoon log. It is a watertight structure with a cylindrical shape, made of fiberglass or aluminum, made to support the whole boat and give it buoyancy.

Pontoon tubes serve as the flotation system and are attached to the deck of the boat. This allows the boat to float, making it easier for it to navigate through water in almost perfect stability and safety.

Factors that Affect the Pontoon Replacement Cost

The final cost of replacing the pontoon tube will be influenced by several factors that can raise or lower the final bill. As long as you understand how much each factor influences the price and why, then it will be a lot easier to budget for the job.

Complexity of Replacement

The final cost will depend on the complexity of the replacement process, which differs from situation to situation. If you’re faced with complex serious damage or needed adjustments, or modifications to the structure of the boat, then the replacement process will come at a higher cost due to the time and labor required. These can include reconfiguring the seating arrangement or removing and reinstalling the deck components.

Material

Most pontoon tubes are either made of aluminum or fiberglass. Fiberglass tubes have lightweight properties and will offer a sleeker appearance, while aluminum tubes are mostly used due to their corrosion resistance and overall durability.

You might also like our articles on the cost of fiberglass boat repair, boat bellow repair, or boat upholstery repair.

The final cost will be impacted by the material that you choose for the replacement, with fiberglass usually being more expensive than aluminum.

Labor Costs

The price of professional labor when it comes to pontoon tube replacement will depend on the complexity of the job, the experience and expertise of the technician or technicians you work with, as well as your location. If you need specialized skills for the job, then be prepared for significant costs associated with the labor.

Brand and Quality

The final bill will also be impacted by the quality and brand of the pontoon tube. High-end brands that are reputable and have a lot of positive reviews will usually be priced higher as they passed the test of time for performance and durability.

Although the initial cost will increase if you go for higher-quality materials and labor, over a long period of time you will get benefits in terms of reliability and longevity.

Size and Dimensions

Another important factor to consider when trying to determine the cost of the job is the size of the pontoon tube itself. A smaller boat that has narrower tubes will usually cost less for the replacement job than its larger counterparts. Larger pontoon boats will need wider and longer tubes, which usually increases both the cost of labor and the price of materials needed for the replacement.

Additional Repairs or Replacements

After starting to work on the pontoon tube replacement, the professional might find other issues as well, which might need further replacements or repairs. This will usually include things like flooring, railing, brackets, or fittings that are too worn out to be ignored.

Any additional repair you need will come at an added cost, but you might get a discount if you need to address multiple issues simultaneously. You should never ignore these issues as they can affect the boat’s functionality and integrity and even put your life in danger.

Customization and Upgrades Post Replacement

During the replacement process, you might choose to further customize or upgrade the pontoon. Some features you might consider adding are changing the color scheme or adding built-in storage compartments. Any of these changes will increase the cost.

You will need additional labor, design work, and materials when doing upgrades and customization, and all of these will contribute to the final bill.

You should get in touch with a professional if you want to get a more accurate estimate of the toon tube replacement job. They are the only ones that can provide detailed cost breakdowns after assessing your specific needs.

Final words on pontoon boats and tube replacement

It will be pretty challenging to figure out the final cost of the pontoon tube replacement job, as it will depend on a lot of factors, including the complexity of the job, materials, labor costs, and size of the boat, which is why it is very important to get an accurate cost estimate right from the start. Expect a pontoon tube replacement cost of $3,500 to $8,000 or more for your average job.